TWA Sep 2024 Advertorial 3 of 3
TWA Sep 2024 Advertorial 3 of 3

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Drive the dream along Western Australia's wondrous coastal and big sky country trails

When we say dreamlike wonders await in Western Australia, it’s not hyperbole. Road trip adventures through the dream State are your clients’ gateway to captivating landscapes and spectacular contrasts of colour. Surreal coastal highways lead you to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, otherworldly adventures and unique Aboriginal experiences that enrich and enhance your travels. Western Australia truly has it all. Plus, read on to win your own West Australian road trip adventure.

When we say dreamlike wonders await in Western Australia, it’s not hyperbole. Road trip adventures through the dream State are your clients’ gateway to captivating landscapes and spectacular contrasts of colour. Surreal coastal highways lead you to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, otherworldly adventures and unique Aboriginal experiences that enrich and enhance your travels. Western Australia truly has it all. Plus, read on to win your own West Australian road trip adventure.

Along Western Australia’s coastal highways and outback riches, discover indescribable landscapes, nature, wildlife, and culture. The sublime South West Edge and Golden Quest Discovery Trail itineraries deliver road trips that truly compel travellers to reconnect. Whether it’s gazing at awe-inspiring landscapes from a helicopter, traversing an epic 4WD track, or recharging among the region’s wide-open spaces, there is something for everyone.

South West Edge 

Tourism WA
Walk through the canopy of 400-year-old tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

Fast facts 

  • How long: Allow 8-14 days 
  • Distance: 1,200 km 
  • Vehicle type: Any 
  • When to go: Year-round 
  • Wildflower season: September to December 
  • Orca season: January to April 
  • Humpback, southern right & blue whale season: May to December 
  • Traditional country: Whadjuk, Wardandi, Bibbulmun and Menang 

An epic coastal adventure awaits along the unique South West Edge. Journey from Perth (Boorloo) to Esperance (Kepa Kurl) through premium wine regions, towering karri forests, pristine National Parks and ancient caves, all before looping across the Golden Outback.

Enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters before indulging in premium wines and fresh local produce. Marvel at the natural landmarks of the South West and roam through fields of wildflowers bursting with colour between September and December.

Highlights along the South West Edge are plentiful. On your way into the Margaret River Region, interact and swim with playful wild dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre on a stop in Bunbury (Goomburrup), before heading further south to Busselton (Undalup). It’s here your clients can stroll the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and descend eight metres under the ocean to the Underwater Observatory.

Tourism WA
Journey through more than 100 cellar doors in the Margaret River Region, Australia’s most premium wine country

Visit Leeuwin Estate to learn the art of fine wine, admire the scenic cellar door grounds of Windows Estate and Fraser Gallop Estate, or be wowed by the organic winery and restaurant at Voyager Estate.

For adventures beyond the premium produce and world-class wine country, eco-tourism-guided hikes with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours traverse the spectacular route between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste. 

Clients who are seeking a deeper connection to the region can book a Koomal Dreaming tour in Yallingup. Their dreaming tour into Ngilgi Cave is a highlight; listening to the didgeridoo in the cave is profound for many travellers. 

On the South West Edge, there are accommodation options for everyone. RAC Busselton Holiday Park is a great option offering self-contained cabins, while Smiths Beach Resort in Yallingup offers a luxury option for the discerning traveller.

Onwards to Pemberton’s pristine natural landscapes. Pemberton Discovery Tours shares their passion and knowledge for the region with their wildflower, wine, beach, and forest eco-tours. Their Wilderness Glamping experiences are the perfect complement. 

For stays in coastal Albany (Kinjarling), enjoy well-appointed self-contained apartments at Quality Suites Banksia Gardens or waterfront views at Hilton Garden Inn.  

Tourism WA
Discover dazzling white sand and pristine beaches along the South West Edge

Esperance is as rich in colour as it is in experiences, with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Soaring over Esperance gives the best vantage points; book scenic flights with Fly Esperance or HeliSpirit chopper tours.  

For eco-adventures connecting travellers with adventure, wildlife, wellness, and culinary experiences, Untamed Escapes has it all. 

For family-style accommodation Esperance Island View Apartments is located in the town centre. For an Instagrammable stay, the Esperance Chalet Village has stylish accommodation that wouldn’t look out of place in a magazine.  

Golden Quest Discovery Trail 

Tourism WA
Experience the largest outdoor art gallery on Earth at Lake Ballard

Fast facts 

  • How long: 6 days 
  • Distance: 965 km  
  • Vehicle type: Any  
  • When to go: August to October 
  • Wildflower season: Mid-July to late October 
  • Humpback, southern right & blue whale season: June to August 
  • Traditional country: Wilinggin, Wunambal Gaambara and Balingara 

The Golden Quest Discovery Trail is as much a road trip through rich landscapes as it is a journey back in time. Revealing stories of fortunes made and lost in the 1890’s, today Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) remains one of the world’s largest gold producing regions.

Departing Perth, the journey commences inland to Kalgoorlie. Book your clients an experience with Kalgoorlie Tours, which immerses visitors in the town’s rich history through a popular Super Pit tour into one of Australia’s largest producing gold-mines. Their Gold Town tour reveals the secrets of Kalgoorlie, past and present.

Drive the dream
Traverse a 4-kilometre trail of colourful artwork through the heart of Kalgoorlie’s city streets

The Museum of the Goldfields is a free experience that takes you through a place and a town that holds historical significance to the region. Swap the road for the air on a scenic flight with Goldfield Air Services over the otherworldly salt lakes at Lake Lefroy and the Kalgoorlie Super Pit.

The cabins at the Discovery Parks Kalgoorlie Goldfields make for a great stay close to the action. The Plaza Hotel Kalgoorlie is the only property with views across the town and beyond; perfect for sunsets over the Goldfields!

From Kalgoorlie, the road trip continues to Menzies and Lake Ballard, passing the ghost town of Broad Arrow en route. Stop at the world’s largest outdoor gallery and take in the 51 intriguing sculptures at Lake Ballard.

Other Golden Quest Discovery Trail highlights include sunset views from the summit of Mount Charlotte, Niagara Dam, the one-horse town (literally) of Kookynie, and the Ghost Town Museum at Gwalia.  

Menzies Town Hall. Menzies is a small historic mining town along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail ©Tourism Western Australia
Menzies is a small historic mining town along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail 

For an idyllic outback stay, book your clients at the Grange, a heritage farm stay in Kalgan, owned by Great Southern Outback Tours. They also offer off-the-beaten-track eco-tours around the region, including the stunning seasonal wildflower tours.  

Alongside the Grange, the homestead and guesthouse accommodation at Wooleen Station in Murchison delivers. 

Win a West Australian road trip adventure 

Drive the dream
Drive the dream through Boranup Forest on a road trip adventure through the Margaret River Region

Discover more about how your clients can drive the dream by completing the West Aussie All Stars ‘Road Trips’ module. Plus, complete all modules by 31 October 2024 to be in to win a dreamy 5-day West Australian road trip adventure for two through the Margaret River Region, valued at up to $5,000. T&Cs apply.  

Register here or log back in here to continue your training. 

Have you checked out the other Western Australia road trip itineraries? Find them here and here.

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